Jonathan Maness
Sports correspondent
BRIGHTON — This is not the same Brighton soccer program as last year.
Three games into the new season and the Bulldogs are one win away from matching last season’s win total.
Brighton showed its resilience Saturday, scoring three consecutive goals to top Grand Junction 3-1 to improve to a 3-0 record.
“The kids have been playing great so far this season,” Brighton coach Kevin Barnes said. “We have a lot of talent on this squad and a lot of hard workers.”
The talent showed all over the field, but it was Tanner Barnes who capitalized. The junior forward scored two goals, both in the second half, to increase his goal total to three on the season.
Barnes scored on a penalty kick early in the second half and then received a gift later in the half when the Tigers’ goalkeeper muffed a save, and Barnes found the back of the net for his second goal.
“It always feels good to score a goal, it is a very good feeling,” the junior said. “Team-wise, we have really been playing, and I think it’s showing on the scoreboard.”
Through three games the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 7-2, with four players scoring the goals.
“The attitude on this team is a lot different than last year,” Coach Barnes said. “They have worked hard this offseason, and they are playing as a team. There aren’t any selfish players in that locker room.”
That unselfishness was evident Saturday, especially after the Bulldogs spotted Grand Junction an early goal in the first half. Led by the strong defensive play of midfielder Ruben Castro, Brighton kept pressure on the visiting Tigers. That pressure paid off when freshman Dalton Oberfoell scored to force a tie at the half.
“He is the smallest player on the field, but might also be the toughest to defend,” Coach Barnes said.
Senior Alberto Garcia and junior Jake Makepeace split duties at goalkeeper, with Garcia snagging five saves and Makepeace getting four.